RU2705546C1 - Rotating dough molding machine - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: food industry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to devices for food industry. Rotating dough-forming machine (10) comprises: frame (6), molding roller (4), attached to frame (6) with possibility of rotation, knife (3) for scraping dough from molding roller (4), said knife (3) continues along molding roller (4), drive means for moving knife (3) between a position of scraping and an inactive position. First drive (1) acting on first end (31) of knife (3), and second drive (2) acting on second end (32) of knife (3), wherein first drive (1) and second drive (2) can be actuated independently of each other. Method for controlling rotary dough molding machine (10) comprises adjusting knife (3) relative to molding roller (4), wherein first end (31) of knife (3) and second end (32) of knife (3) are independently controlled.

EFFECT: invention enables to obtain a simple design which provides for optimal adjustment of the knife relative to the molding roller, as well as compliance with hygienic requirements when using a dough shaping machine.

15 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a rotating dough molding machine comprising a frame, a forming roller mounted rotatably on the frame, a knife for scraping dough from the forming roller, said knife continuing along the forming roller, and a drive device for moving the knife between the scraping position and the inactive position. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a rotating dough forming machine.

Rotating dough molding machines contain a rotating molding roller having on the surface many forms in the form of cavities (or recesses) for receiving dough. The feed roller (also referred to as the pressure roller) feeds the dough coming from the hopper into the gap between the molding roller and the feed roller and loads the dough into the molds of the molding roller. To remove excess dough from the forming roll, a knife is provided for scraping the dough from the surface of the forming roll. The dough left in the molds is subsequently removed from the forming roll, usually by means of a belt that moves end-to-end to the forming roll.

According to the prior art, the control of the knife in rotating molding machines was carried out by an actuator located on one side of the machine. Then, the movement of the actuator was also transmitted to the opposite side of the machine by mechanical connections, which also provided synchronous movement of the two ends of the knife. The connection between both sides of the machine was regulated during the factory assembly, as a permanent setting that cannot be changed during machine operation. However, during operation, there are differences in the product by weight of the rotating forms from side to side, which arise mainly due to the regulation with partial optimization of the main components of the machine, i.e., the forming roller, feed roller or knife. An additional disadvantage may lie in the multitude of transmission components of the guide structures for transmitting the movement of the actuator also to the other side of the machine, which requires complexity and cost. Moreover, mechanical joints that continue in the same space in which the dough is fed by rollers makes it difficult to comply with hygiene requirements. Over time, the components become contaminated with dough, and require cleaning or replacement.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide an improved rotary dough forming device. In particular, the rotating dough-forming device provides for optimal control of the knife relative to the forming roller, as well as compliance with hygiene requirements. The design should be simple and economical in spatial terms.

The problem of the invention is solved by a rotating dough molding machine, as defined in the first paragraph, in which the drive device comprises a first drive acting on the first end of the knife and a second drive acting on the second end of the knife, wherein the first drive and the second drive can be independently driven from friend. Therefore, the first end of the knife and the second end of the knife are independently adjustable.

The first drive acts on the first end of the knife, causing the first end of the knife to move along the first movement line, and the second drive acts on the second end of the knife, causing the second end of the knife to move along the second movement line, while the first movement line and the second movement line are essentially parallel each other. Preferably, the first movement line and the second movement line are defined by parallel guides.

The invention allows to achieve optimal regulation of the knife relative to the molding roller. The possibility of independent actuation of the drives provides for uniform adjustment of the knife along the entire length of the forming roller. Tolerances or regulation with partial optimization of other components of the machine, especially the forming roller, can be reliably compensated at any stage of work. Moreover, mechanical connections extending from one side to the other side of the machine are no longer needed, guaranteeing a high hygiene standard.

The forming roller has many forms on the surface in the form of cavities (or cavities) for receiving the dough. The knife is used to remove (scrape) excess dough from the surface of the forming roller. The dough left in the molds is subsequently removed from the forming roll, usually with a belt. A rotating dough molding machine is used to make baked goods, such as cookies, rolls, crackers, etc. After molding by means of a rotating dough forming machine (intermediate) products are placed in the oven for baking.

The knife extends between the first end and the second end along the forming roller. The edge of the knife extends substantially parallel to the forming roller. In the scraping position, the knife can adjoin the forming roller, and in the inactive position (not scraping), the knife is located at a distance from the molding roller. In this inactive position, the knife can be removed from the machine for cleaning or maintenance.

Each drive can directly or indirectly (for example, through a transmission element, clutch or support) act on the corresponding end of the knife.

Both the first drive and the second drive comprise an actuator, preferably an engine or cylinder. Both the actuator of the first drive and the actuator of the second drive can be activated (in particular, activated) independently of each other. The actuator can be activated preferably by electric, magnetic, pneumatic and / or hydraulic energy. Drives can transmit linear motion, rotational motion and / or combinations of these motions. The preferred option is a spindle drive.

Preferably, the rotary dough forming machine comprises a feed roller mounted rotatably on the frame, while the rotational axes of the molding roller and the feed roller are substantially parallel to each other, while in the scraping position, the knife continues into the gap between the molding roller and the feed roller. The feed roller (also the pressure roller) feeds the dough into the gap between the molding roller and the feed roller and loads the dough into molds on the surface of the molding roller. Although it would be possible to use other feeding or pressing means (pressure belt, stationary wall, etc.) to press the dough into the molds of the forming roll, the feeding roll is most preferred, giving optimal results with respect to the shape of the products. Typically, a hopper (to facilitate dough entry) is provided above the gap formed between the forming roll and the feed roll.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotational dough molding machine comprises a control device that interacts with the first drive and the second drive, the drives being driven by the control device automatically and / or depending on the commands generated by the operator interface (for example, touch screen, mouse, remote control) . This provides precise and reliable adjustment of the knife also during operation of the machine. Deviations in optimal control can be corrected immediately.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotating dough forming machine comprises

- a first sensor that determines the movement and / or position of the first end of the knife and / or the load on the first end of the knife, and

- a second sensor that determines the movement and / or position of the second end of the knife and / or the load on the second end of the knife. The ends of the knife can be adjusted independently of each other by (independent) sensors. In particular, deviations from optimal knife control can be reliably detected. The sensor may be, for example, a (linear) encoder, for example, a movement encoder or a proximity sensor. The value measured by the sensor may be a direct or indirect measure of the movement, position or load of the knife end. The (first and second) sensors can be linear encoders or encoders of an angular position, pressure and / or force sensors (for example, containing at least one piezoelectric element or strain gauge), non-contact sensors (for example, an optical or capacitive or inductive sensor) and t .d.

In a preferred embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor interact with the control device, while the control device can control the drives depending on the values measured by the sensors, and / or display the values on the operator interface (eg, screen) received by the sensors.

In a preferred embodiment

- the knife continues between the first section of the frame and the second section of the frame and at the same time

- the first end of the knife is supported by a first support, which is rotatably attached to the first portion of the frame and connected to the first drive, and

- the second end of the knife is supported by a second support, which is rotatably attached to the second section of the frame and connected to the second drive. Here, the support acts as a connecting element between each drive and the corresponding end of the knife. Each support is held by the corresponding section of the frame. The first and second sections of the frame are the sections of the frame that also support the forming roller (and, if necessary, the feed roller).

In a preferred embodiment, the first support continues through the first section of the frame, and the second support continues through the second section of the frame. In this embodiment, only the support continues into the space between the first and second sections of the frame. Locations of other parts related to knife adjustment can be avoided in this (internal) space.

In a preferred embodiment, each sensor is connected on one side to a support and, on the other hand, to a portion of the frame. Here, the relative movement / position between the support and the portion of the frame is a direct measure of the movement / position of the knife. As already mentioned, the sensor can be made in the form of a (linear) encoder.

In a preferred embodiment, the first drive is spatially separated from the knife by the first section of the frame, and the second drive is spatially separated from the knife by the second section of the frame. Here, the drives are located outside of the frame sections, and the knife continues into the frame sections. The hygiene standard is increased as the drives are (completely) separated from the interior of the frame, which also contains the dough during operation. Maintenance and replacement of drives is also facilitated by this option.

Preferably, each support has an inner portion facing the knife and an outer portion spatially separated from the knife by a corresponding portion of the frame, wherein the inner portion and the outer portion can be separated from each other, preferably by loosening at least one screw.

In a preferred embodiment, the knife is freely located on the first support and on the second support, preferably on a structure corresponding to the shape. Cleaning and replacing the knife is much easier. A design corresponding to the shape may be a recess in the support.

In a preferred embodiment, the first section of the frame forms a first guide, preferably a guide with grooves in which the first support moves by sliding, and the second section of the frame forms a second guide, preferably a guide with grooves in which the second support moves by sliding, while preferably the guides have an arcuate form. Here the frame can be used as a guide for support.

In a preferred embodiment, each support interacts with a corresponding guide by means of at least one sliding disk, preferably made of plastic, inserted between the support and the guide, preferably in a recess formed in the support or guide. Typically, the frame and support are made of (stainless) steel. A sliding disc made not of steel but of a different material can reduce friction during knife adjustment.

In a preferred embodiment, the first drive and the second drive are linear drives, preferably the first drive is pivotally mounted to the first portion of the frame and pivotally attached to the first support, and / or the second drive is pivotally attached to the second portion of the frame and attached with the ability to turn to the second support. Linear drives that are fastened with only (two) screws (one screw at each pivot point) can be easily removed, for example, for maintenance.

In a preferred embodiment, the knife is continuously controlled by the drives between the first position and the second position. It becomes possible to fine-tune the knife.

In a preferred embodiment, the knife is formed by a base and a blade attached to the base, preferably the base has end portions extending beyond the blade, and each drive acts on a corresponding end portion of the base.

The problem is also solved by the method of controlling a rotating dough forming machine comprising adjusting the knife relative to the forming roller, wherein the first end of the knife and the second end of the knife are independently adjusted. It should be noted here that the variants of the rotating dough molding machine and the corresponding advantages presented equally apply to the method.

The invention additionally allows electronic calibration of the knife control by means of the HMI (interface for controlling the hub) of the machine. Imbalances in knife position detected during manufacture can also be corrected by the user on the HMI with simple settings. Independent sensors (e.g. displacement sensors) on both sides also detect possible control errors and allow the machine control system to decide how to respond. Removing mechanical joints, bearings, and gear segments from the product area (between the parts of the frame) is a significant advantage in relation to the hygienic design of the machine. Preferably, only the inner portion of the support is located within the product zone. Everything else is outside the frame / chassis of the machine.

For a better understanding of the invention, the following is a more detailed description with reference to the following figures in a simplified schematic representation:

In FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a rotating dough forming machine,

In FIG. 2 shows a top view of a rotating dough forming machine,

In FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a drive, a sensor and a knife support,

In FIG. 4 shows the relationship between actuators, sensors and a control device,

In FIG. 5 shows a knife and a drive means (without frame),

In FIG. 6 shows in detail an embodiment of a drive, a sensor and a knife support.

As a rule, the same parts or similar parts are denoted by the same / similar names and reference numbers. The characteristics set forth in the description apply to parts with the same / similar names, respectively, reference numbers. The indication of orientation and relative position (up, down, side, etc.) refers to the corresponding Figure, and the indication of orientation and relative position should be accordingly corrected in different Figures, depending on the circumstances.

In FIG. 1 shows a rotating dough molding machine 10 comprising a frame 6, a molding roller 4 and a feed roller 5, both mounted in the frame 6 rotatably relative to the parallel rotation axes, and a knife 3 for scraping the dough from the molding roller 4. A plurality are formed on the surface of the molding roller 4 forms (in the form of cavities for receiving the test). The knife 3 extends between the ends 31, 32 along the forming roll 4 (FIG. 2) and scrapes the excess dough from the surface of the forming roll 4. In FIG. 1 shows the scraping position of the knife 3, which extends into the gap between the forming roller 4 and the feed roller 5. In the inactive position, the knife 3 will be at a distance from the forming roller 4. The movement between the scraping position and the inactive position is indicated by a double arrow in FIG. one.

A hopper 27 is provided for feeding dough to the rollers 4, 5, and a (rubber) belt 28 is provided for receiving molded pieces of dough from the molds formed on the surface of the molding roll 4.

In FIG. 2 shows driving means for moving the knife 3 between the scraping position, in which the knife 3 adjoins (or almost adjoins) the edge to the forming roller 4 and the inactive position, in which the knife 3 is located at a distance from the forming roller 4. The driving means comprises a first drive 1, acting on the first end 31 of the knife 3, and the second drive 2, acting on the second end 32 of the knife 3. The first drive 1 and the second drive 2 can be driven independently of each other. The first drive 1 and the second drive 2 comprise an actuator, preferably a motor or cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, the drives 1, 2 are spindle drives.

The first drive acts on the first end 31 of the knife 3, causing the first end 31 of the knife to move along the first movement line, and the second drive 2 acts on the second end 32 of the knife 3, causing the second end 32 of the knife to move along the second movement line, with the first line of movement and the second line of movement is essentially parallel to each other. As will be described below, the (first and second) displacement lines are preferably defined by the guides 21, 22.

Preferably, the knife 3 is continuously adjusted by the actuators 1, 2 between the scraping position and the inactive position. During the adjustment procedure of the knife 3 relative to the forming roller 4, the first end 31 of the knife 3 and the second end 32 of the knife 3 can be adjusted independently from each other and at any stage of operation.

From the preferred embodiment of FIG. Figure 4 shows that the rotating molding machine 10 may include a control device 9 that interacts with the first drive 1 and the second drive 2, while the drives 1, 2 can be driven by the control device 9 automatically and / or depending on the commands generated by 8 operator interface.

Of the options shown in FIG. 2 to 6, it can be seen that the rotating dough forming machine 10 may contain:

- a first sensor 11 that determines the movement and / or position of the first end 31 of the knife 3, and / or the load acting on the first end 31 of the knife 3, and

- the second sensor 12, which determines the movement and / or position of the second end 32 of the knife 3, and / or the load acting on the second end 32 of the knife 3.

In FIG. 4 shows that the first sensor 11 and the second sensor 12 can interact with the control device 9, while the control device 9 can control the actuators 1, 2 depending on the values measured by the sensors 11, 12, and / or display values on the operator interface 8, obtained by the sensors 11, 12.

In a preferred embodiment, FIG. 2, knife 3 continues between the first portion 13 of the frame and the second portion 14 of the frame. Sections 13, 14 of the frame belong to the same frame, which supports the rollers 4, 5 with the possibility of rotation. The first end 31 of the knife 3 is supported by a first support 15, which is rotatably attached to the first section 13 of the frame and attached to the first drive 1. The second end 32 of the knife 3 is supported by a second support 16, which is rotatably attached to the second section 13 of the frame and attached to the second drive 2. Here, the first support 15 continues through the first section 13 of the frame, and the second support 16 continues through the second section 14 of the frame (indicated by dashed lines).

Each support 15, 16 may have an inner portion 17, 19 facing the knife 3, and an outer portion 18, 20, spatially separated from the knife 3 by a corresponding portion 13, 14 of the frame, while the inner portion 17, 19 and the outer portion are separated from each other, preferably by loosening at least one screw (not shown). Each drive 1, 2 is connected to the outer portion 18, 20 of the corresponding support 15, 16. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the first drive 1 is spatially separated from the knife 3 by the first section 13 of the frame, and the second drive 2 is spatially separated from the knife 3 by the second section 14 of the frame. In other words, the drives 1, 2 are located outside the space between the sections 13, 14 of the frame.

Preferably, the knife is freely positioned (i.e., removably without fastening means) on the first support 15 and on the second support 16, preferably a structure corresponding to the shape may be a recess in the support.

To determine the path of movement of the knife, the first section 13 of the frame forms the first guide 21 (here: the guide with grooves), in which the first support 15 is mounted with the possibility of sliding movement. The second section 14 of the frame forms a second guide 22, (here: a guide with grooves), in which a second support 16 is mounted with the possibility of sliding movement. The guides 21, 22 may have an arcuate path to optimally deliver the knife 3 to the forming roller 4.

Each support 15, 16 can communicate with a corresponding guide 21, 22 by means of at least one (here: several) sliding disk 7, preferably made of plastic, inserted between the support 15, 16 and the guide 21, 22 (Fig. 6) . The recesses can be made in the support 15, 16 or in the guide 21, 22 for receiving a sliding disk (sliding disks).

In the shown embodiment, the drives 1, 2 are linear drives. The first drive is pivotally mounted to the first portion 13 of the frame and pivotally attached to the first support 15. The second drive is pivotally attached to the second portion 14 of the frame and pivotally attached to the second support 16.

From FIG. 5 it can be seen that the knife is formed by a base 24 and a blade 23 attached to the base. In the shown embodiment, the base has end sections 25, 26 extending beyond the blade 23. Each drive 1, 2 acts on the corresponding end section 25, 26 of the base 24.

It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the above options, and combinations of various options are possible. For example, you can also use rotary drives (instead of linear drives). The connection between each drive and the corresponding end of the knife may differ and contain other transmission elements, as in the options shown. It is also possible for the drives to directly act on the ends of the knife. Alternatively, the drives may be located on the inside of the frame sections. The movement of the knife from the scraping position to the inactive position may have an arcuate path, a linear path, or any other path, or may contain a rotational component. Alternative to a guide with grooves inside the frame, a guide structure attached to the frame is also possible. Any attachment is possible that allows the knife to be moved between the scraping position and the inactive position. The (first and second) sensors can be encoders (linear or angular), a pressure and / or force sensor (for example, containing at least one piezoelectric element or strain gauge), proximity sensors (for example, an optical or capacitive or induction sensor) etc. In fact, a rotating molding machine may have more or fewer parts than shown in the figures. The machine and its parts can also be shown at different scales and can be more or less shown in the figures. Finally, the description may contain the essence of additional independent inventions.

List of items in the drawings

1 first drive

2 second drive

3 knife

4 molding roller

5 feed roller

6 frame

7 sliding disk

8 operator interface

9 control device

10 rotating dough forming machine

11 first sensor

12 second sensor

13 first section of the frame

14 second section of the frame

15 first support

16 second support

17 inner portion of the first support 15

18 outer portion of the first support 15

19 the inner section of the second support 16

20 outer portion of the second support 16

21 first guide

22 second guide

23 blade

24 base

25 end section of the base 24

26 end section of the base 24

27 bunker

28 belt

1 first end of the knife 3

2 The second end of the knife 3.

Claims (27)

1. A rotating dough forming machine (10), comprising: - frame (6), - forming roller (4) attached to the frame (6) with the possibility of rotation, a knife (3) for scraping the dough from the forming roll (4), said knife (3) continuing along the forming roll (4), and - drive means for moving the knife (3) between the scraping position and the inactive position, characterized in that the drive means comprises: - the first drive (1) acting on the first end (31) of the knife (3), and - a second drive (2) acting on the second end (32) of the knife (3), while the first drive (1) and the second drive (2) can be driven independently of each other. 2. A rotating dough molding machine according to claim 1, in which the rotating dough molding machine (10) comprises a control device (9) that interacts with the first drive (1) and the second drive (2), while the drives (1, 2) can be are actuated by the control device (9) automatically and / or depending on the commands issued via the operator interface (8). 3. A rotating dough molding machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotating dough molding machine (10) comprises: - a first sensor (11) that determines the movement and / or position of the first end (31) of the knife (3), and / or the load acting on the first end (31) of the knife (3), and - a second sensor (12) that determines the movement and / or position of the second end (32) of the knife (3), and / or the load acting on the second end (32) of the knife (3). 4. A rotating dough molding machine according to claim 3, in which the first sensor (11) and the second sensor (12) interact with the control device (9), while the control device (9) is configured to control the drives (1, 2) depending from the values measured by the sensors (11, 12), and / or display on the interface (8) of the operator of the value received by the sensors (11, 12). 5. A rotating dough forming machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the knife (3) continues between the first section (13) of the frame and the second section (14) of the frame, and - the first end (31) of the knife (3) is supported by the first support (15), which is rotatably attached to the first section (13) of the frame and attached to the first drive (1), and - the second end (32) of the knife (3) is supported by a second support (16), which is rotatably attached to the second section (14) of the frame and attached to the second drive (2), while preferably the first support (15) continues through the first section (13) of the frame, and the second support (16) continues through the second portion (14) of the frame. 6. The rotary dough molding machine according to claim 5, in which the first drive (1) is spatially separated from the knife (3) by the first section (13) of the frame, and the second drive (2) is spatially separated from the knife (3) by the second section (14) frames. 7. Rotating dough forming machine according to one of paragraphs. 5 or 6, in which each support (15, 16) may have an inner portion (17, 19) facing the knife (3) and an outer portion (18, 20) spatially separated from the knife (3) by a corresponding portion (13, 14) of the frame, while the inner portion (17, 19) and the outer portion are configured to separate from each other, preferably by loosening at least one screw. 8. The rotating dough molding machine according to paragraphs. 5-7, in which the knife (3) is freely located on the first support (15) and on the second support (16), preferably on a structure corresponding to the shape. 9. The rotating dough molding machine according to paragraphs. 5-8, in which the first section (13) of the frame forms a first guide (21), preferably a guide with grooves, in which the first support (15) is mounted with the possibility of sliding movement, and the second section (14) of the frame forms a second guide (22 ), preferably, a guide with grooves in which a second support (16) is mounted with the possibility of sliding movement, while, preferably, the guides (21, 22) have an arcuate trajectory. 10. The rotary dough molding machine according to claim 9, in which each support (15, 16) interacts with the corresponding guide (21, 22) by means of at least one sliding disk (7), preferably made of plastic, inserted between the support (15, 16) and a guide (21, 22), preferably into a recess formed in the support (15, 16) or in the guide (21, 22). 11. The rotary dough forming machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first drive (1) and the second drive (2) are linear drives, preferably the first drive is pivotally mounted to the first frame portion (13) and pivotally attached to the first support (15), and / or the second drive (2) is rotatably attached to the second portion of the frame (14) and rotatably attached to the second support (16). 12. A rotating dough molding machine according to one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the knife (3) is made with the possibility of continuous adjustment by drives (1, 2) between the scraping position and the inactive position. 13. A rotating dough molding machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the knife (3) is formed by a base (24) and a blade (23) attached to the base (24), while the base (24) has end sections (25, 26), extending beyond the blade (23), and each drive (1, 2) acts on the corresponding end section (25, 26) of the base (24). 14. The rotary molding machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating molding machine (10) comprises a feed roller (5) mounted rotatably on the frame (6), while the axis of rotation of the molding roller (4) and the feed roller (5) ) are essentially parallel to each other, and in this case, in the scraping position, the knife (3) continues into the gap between the molding roller (4) and the feed roller (5). 15. A method of controlling a rotating dough molding machine (10) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, comprising the step of adjusting the knife (3) relative to the forming roller (4), wherein the first end (31) of the knife (3) and the second end (32) of the knife (3) ) Regulate independently of each other.

Images